Tag: exercise routine

Our routines can get us stuck in a rut

We humans love our routines and habits. And I always stress that routines are important in our goal setting. But our habits in our fitness regimen can be a bad thing. Don’t get stuck in a rut!

The danger of over-exercise

If we do too much of an exercise that works certain muscles, we run the risk of over-exercise and damaging those muscles. In strength workouts, all the experts agree that it’s important to rest the muscles we work for at least 24 hours before working them again. It goes against logic, but resting a muscle group is important for strengthening it! If you like to use weights every day, then work different muscle groups on sequential days.

And if we do the same exercises every time, we’ll hit a plateau and won’t be able to move beyond it. Let’s say you run on the treadmill (my personal nemesis) every day at the same speed for the same length of time. Pretty soon you won’t be able to run faster or farther. You’ll be stuck at 20 minutes and 4 miles an hour (as an example).

Mix up your exercise routine!

On the other hand, if you use an interval setting with hills, valleys, slower speeds and faster speeds on the treadmill, you’ll be able to run farther and faster.

Don’t forget that it’s also important to combine cardio and strength work in your exercise. A day of yoga or pilates is also a good idea for mixing things up. As humans, we get bored easily, so mixing up your workouts keeps you out of that rut and interested. Or as interested as you can be in an exercise program.

So, yes – be sure to schedule your workouts every day at the same time, but mix up your workouts!

Get your Free Week of Balance!

Improve your balance in as little as five minutes a day, in the comfort and privacy of your own home with Fran's "Week of Balance" exercises. Sign up for Fitness-Over-50 news and your free "Week of Balance" exercises!

Email

Name

Please wait...

Watch your inbox to get your Free "Week of Balance" exercises.

Cute workout tees, tanks, water bottles and more!

I love the French Bulldog images on these items! Of course, the fact that they were created based on my sister’s Teddy helps! You’ll be taken to the Cafe Press shop where you can see all the “Tedmonstah” designs. Cafe Press tees are excellent quality – nice and heavy, and they wash really well. And that’s an important consideration for workout clothes!

Pilates and Yoga combined

PiYo is one of my favorite workout programs. It’s Pilates combined with Yoga. All fluid movement that builds strength and flexibility and balance. Combined with Shakeology – dense, plant-based super-nutrition that can be a meal replacement. I drink Shakeology every day and I do PiYo all the time. The Challenge Pack includes the complete PiYo series and a month of Shakeology at a great price. It’ll get you started on your path to health, balance and fitness!